Let me begin by saying that I hate yoga.
It makes me angry while I am practicing. And it makes me cry, in public. So, I have pretty much avoided it for 10 years.
But I have a temperamental lower back and have been tolerating a low level back pain for several months. Massage, acupuncture and stretching on my own have brought no long term relief. But I refuse to believe this is just something I have to live with. So I decided to be proactive. I took a hot yoga class once a few years ago with a friend and remember not hating it as much as I had other yoga experiences. I also thought the heat alone might help ease my spasmodic back muscles.
I found Hot 8 Yoga here on Yelp. It was close enough and had good reviews. I signed up for their introductory month for new members. $45 for 30 DAYS of UNLIMITED classes. Considering that a drop-in class is $25, this is a pretty great deal. Especially for a newbie.
I don't really write reviews. I must be compelled. And I feel compelled.
Let me say that my experience so far (5 classes in 6 days) at BOTH locations has been stellar.
Beautiful facilities. Clean. Good smelling. Bathroom amenities in the locker rooms (disposable razors!?). The BH location even has these great self-locking lockers, so you don't need to bring a lock. And the shampoo/conditioner/ bath wash in the showers is not cheap *#\! like in most gyms. It smells so good!
They have mats ($2), yogitoes (towels that collect your sweat, and also have sticky beads that prevent slippage over your mat) ($3), and towels ($2) to rent if you need. The staff have been nothing but pleasant, enthusiastic, and helpful beyond their minimum job requirement. It really makes for an inviting environment, especially for someone new and intimidated, or feeling out of place. (I hate yoga)
All of these things are really nice. But what has kept me returning every day (I am aiming at 6 days a week for 4 weeks) is the instructors. They have all been attentive, gentle and engaging while leading the class. And their insistence on you staying in the room; or adjusting your pose for maximum benefit; or suggesting alternatives for those of me who might be lame, is always delivered in a kind, encouraging, yet firm, way.
Just what I need. I need to be pushed, but also reassured. All of the instructors I've had, so far, achieve this in a really meaningful way.(Deanna; Francesca; Nancy; Melissa- Namaste!)
I think, for me, hot yoga works better than yoga because in a weird way, the sweating and uncomfortability of the heat help me focus, and the distraction of the poses is a relief from the focus on the sweating and the heat. Or something. But it is good for me (no bubbling rage or crying!). While my back pain still persists, I feel that eventually, I'll be able to stretch out the spasm. It's only been a week:). And I'd rather take control of my health than depend on drugs or resign myself to pain. So, I am here. And I am grateful:) read more